Prologue

[Professor Mors]

After several minutes of traipsing and trepidation, KI-3 chanced upon a moving set of visual stimuli that strongly resembled his query. Hurriedly, the RA-7 model swung its ill-optimized legs forward in a desperate attempt to catch up. [Miss!] the droid called softly at first, before adjusting the volume of his vocabulator, [Miss!]. Thankfully, as the pair approached a turn in the hall, KI-3 managed to close the gap, and calmly came to a stop in front of the young woman. [Do pardon me], the protocol unit began, as a thin laser scanner appeared at the top of the cadet's head, and followed her frame down to the soles of her boots. [Cadet Tregari, I'm so glad to have finally found you!], KI-3 commented with a metallic chortle, [I realize this is currently your recreation time, but my employer, Line Captain Doren Vassyl, wishes to speak with you in one of the side conference chambers]. With a whir, the artificial attendant extended an arm, and concluded, [If you find this meeting agreeable, I've been tasked to escort you personally].

[Rhoden Carbine]

Rhoden watched as the limp form of Mr. Delarik was dragged out of sight. "Such unpleasant business." he said, frowning. "Well at least it wasn't anything particularly grueling, I need a rest." Pyrs said, "True enough, I--" Rhoden cut off as a ping sounded from his wrist.

"Thought you'd like to know, Rhoden, but Captain Vassyl attempted to arrange a meeting with the Cadet you met earlier. I'd put money on him sending that scrap heap he calls a droid after her since he couldn't find an official time." Rhoden smiled, "Very good, I'll head that way."

Rhoden climbed into the airspeeder that had been put at Inferno's disposal while on the world, combined with their all-access codes it made getting around the city at high speeds only too easy. Within ten minutes he was at the academy grounds and walking briskly through the halls. He pulled up a map on his datapad which tracked the positions of the Cadet, Captain Vassyl, and--as Jorvan deigned it--the 'scrap heap'. He smiled as he saw the droid meet the cadet and quickly took a lift down, coming up on their position silently and unnoticed.

The droid, of course, noted his presence, the young woman had no way to know he was there until he spoke "Hello, again, Ms. Tregari." he said. "I think I'll attend this meeting as well, if the Captain will have me, of course." he said, nodding to the droid. He and Doren had gone to head before in regards to Cadet's and potential recruits, but in this case Rhoden simply decided he wanted to keep an eye on the young woman. She would make an interesting addition to the bridge crew of the Hydra, to be sure, but he'd make no particular trouble of it should the Captain take her as his own.

Rhoden smiled inwardly as he realized he'd just objectified the poor cadet, she was worth more than that regardless of her skills or loyalties--she served the Empire, and as such she deserved more than to be the prize of some officer.

[Lilaly Tregari]

The cadet stares at the droid with a confused look, wondering what was the reason behind the scanning, it doesn't look like a medical droid, if there is a plague going around everyone would known of, she wonders if its some kind of new proceedure, until the droid starts to speek and gets her full attention. When he mentions her name, the cadet simply gives a nod to confirm that she is indeed Cadet Tregari. Her eyes widen up a little at the mention of a Line Captain, quickly getting back to the old and determined look on her face. "Lead the way"

Iits a huge coincidence two high ups meetings in a single day, some would think that her father may had a finger on it, doubtful, he doesn't have friends that high and believes in meritocracy. Maybe the headmaster reports on her are drawing attention, maybe the Empire is in desperate need of talent in the front lines. As Lilaly prepared to move on, she heard the commander's voice, a face of shock as all that she could display for a second, quickly regaining her posture she turned around to face the Commander. Hello, Commander! Of course! While she kept her serious look, her face was a little red due to the surprise, this is definetely not a coincidence.

Its a common pratice among the high ranking officers to keep an watchful eye on promosing individuals, and if necessary play their hand to ensure to have such talent under their chain of command, to ensure that their squad keep as high quality as possible, efficiency is key, and of course it may cause a dispute with the other high ranking officers, while some keep a somewhat friendly rivarly, others turn it into a wild competition, treating people as human resources to ensure maximum efficiency stays on their side. A ruthless pratic that turns people into objects, while following the droid, one could notice a short smile on her face, the Imperial Highups are indeed a wonderful breed of soldiers. Be it by selfish reasons or simply for the Empire, competition raises the needs results, results generates a healthy Empire, a healthy Empire generates a very happy little Cadet who wishes to grow on it.

[Professor Mors]

[Ah Commander Carbine, it has been some time], KI-3 commented with a metallic, cheerful tone, [You are of course more than welcome: if you'll both follow me]. With that, the droid spun about, and began to waddle back from whence it came. With a hiss, the conference door slid open, and trio were met by a rather weary Captain Vassyl. Though Doren had spent the past several hours sifting through papers, he maintained his military decorum, and addressed his quests with a crisp salute. "Cadet Tregari", the young Jaeman began, before pausing to register Rhoden's presence, "And Commander Carbine- I was not expecting you, but I assume you wrapped up your business early than anticipated". The Captain then raised a quizzical eyebrow at his artificial assistant, before coolly commenting, "Well done Key-Three: perhaps I could trouble you to scrounge up some refreshments for our guests?".

[By your command, Sir], the droid leisurely answered back, seemingly oblivious to a vein of irritation welling within his overseer. The Commander, for all his boons, did indeed possess and insufferable habit of latching onto any recruit that showed even a hair's interest in the Inferno Unit. To some extent, Doren couldn't hold these tendencies against his fellow officer. The Infernos had been disgraced, beaten, and all but forgot to ages past. Resurrecting their title and prestige was no small undertaking, and it would take careful effort to return them to place of status and recognition. At the same time, one elite commando could not possibly hope to defend the Imperial state as effectively as the navy, or even the broader army service. Were that Vassyl identified a worthy candidate of leading such forces, he would not hesitate to place them on the proper path, even if it meant pulling rank. He didn't much enjoy such an act, yet he would not compromise his personal mores.

"Please, make yourselves comfortable", Doren started once more, sinking back into his seat. Vassyl's dull brown eyes flicked about from the Commander to the droid, and then finally on Lilaly, "You're probably wondering why I summoned you at so late an hour Miss Tregari", Vassyl began, a neutral octave dominating his voice, "Let me assure you, this is nothing disciplinary". A slight grin curled around the edges of Doren's face, as his temperament lightened, "Though it is not always heavily advertised in our academy pamphlets, there are certain- fast tracks to an active posting, in the event a pupil exhibits advanced capabilities and mental faculties. Students that are deemed worthy of this administrative boost are labeled 'accelerated matriculation candidates', or 'AMC's' and I'm pleased to inform you, Miss Tregari, that you have met and exceeded the boundaries of this category". Lacing his gloved hands together on the table before him, Vassyl leaned forward some, before delivering a serious inquiry, "For evaluation purposes, I pose the following: how do you believe you can best serve the Empire?".

[Rhoden Carbine]

Rhoden took a seat and said nothing as the Captain began speaking. He looked around the office, cataloging every item and begining to formulate ideas as to what it meant to the man and why. In short he was taking time to study his ally, should they be brought together in the line of duty the knowledge would help Rhoden better work with the man, and if they met as enemies it would aid in the man's destruction.

He returned his gaze to the cadet, evaluating her movements, facial expression, the sound of her voice. Every detail he could examine he did so, he thought he had a fair reading of the young woman but one never knew.

[Lilaly Tregari]

The cadet took a look around the office as soon as she stepped in, its best to gather intel on who she's dealing with. She gave a nod when he mentioned her for the first time and tried to make something out of the relationship between the two high rankers. Unfortunately she couldn't make something out of it other than what she had already imagined, they can be on the same page right now in some sort of scheme to get a possible asset on their side, or maybe they are competitors, but its not the right time to make assumptions, its time to focus.

Her eyes flickered during the Captain's speech, its a rare opportunity indeed! In the first year in the academy they learn a bit of everything and at the same time a bit of nothing, like her father said. In the next year, those with promise can go to a course favoring the Navy, or the Army, or pursue some sort of elite training. The problem is that they don't get real pratice on either side before choosing, yes, they do get theorical tests and a few simulations. Most of the experienced personel that they get during a training, is either too loyal to the Empire and makes everything looks like a paradise, or someone that is after their own gain and will do everything in their power to make cadets give up on pursuing a good military career. Right now she is face to face with two men who more than likely worked their way to the top, time to learn.

"Thats a hard question, Captain, one can't take it lightly, aside from my personal future it also concerns the Empire, i'm a firm believer in productivity." The Cadet takes a deep breath while getting a calmer look on her face, it may seem like she is trying to conceal being nervous, in truth she is trying to conceal her happyness due to the oportunity mentioned before. "I do have an affinity for logistics, i'd go far on a desk job and personally i don't have nothing against it. However, the Empire already has enough people preying on low risk careers, i'm sure that there is some notes about my conduct in the simulations, i'm far from a "one woman army" but i'm good at working with whatever resources i have at hand, be it in a field operation or in the planning board."

The cadet spoke with confidence, she has already backed it up in her training sessions, she's having this conversation in the first place because of it, at last, she lets out a smile and looks at the commander, and then at the Captain. "I do apologize for being too foward, but its an opportunity to learn that i can't pass on. If it isn't too much trouble, could i ask the Captain and the Commander's point of view on it? The Empire does not reward weakness, its obvious that both of you have a lot of experience, be it pratical and theorical."

[Professor Mors]

Vassyl was immediately smitten with the decorum of Lilaly's response, and despite his best efforts to compose himself, a slight grin escaped across Doren's face. Keywords such as "productivity" and "logistics" were music to the Line Captain's ears. So far, it seemed his intuition regarding the young cadet was right on the money: not only had she displayed the proper knowledge for an aspiring officer, but her unexpected question further spoke to a wellspring of strategic potential. "How the tables have turned", Vassyl mused, the hint of a chuckle lining his voice, "It seems we are to be interviewed Commander".

Learning forward in his seat, Doren's eyes narrowed on Lilaly, "Very well Miss Tregari, I will entertain your queries". "For my part in the Imperial war machine, I oversee the Third Fleet's Second Battle Group", Vassyl began, thinking back on his short yet colorful career, "I come from a long line of seafaring, and over time, starfaring folk, and I suppose it was only natural I would find my way into the Navy". The Captain straightened up some as memories of his earlier youth sprang to mind, "My late father was an data analyst for Intelligence, and my uncle, now retired, once served as a Rear Admiral. Both impressed upon me the values, and teachings of stern discipline".

Vassyl tapped his index finger lightly on the onyx table, and paused a moment to collect his thoughts, "Exercising proper discipline for oneself, and maintaining discipline in others, I find, goes a long way towards preserving order, both within the military, and Imperial society at large". Retreating into the back of his seat some, Doren's shoulder slackened, and he concluded, "Thus far, I have done my best to instill a measure of discipline in those that serve under me, and I believe such efforts to be one of my primary contributions to our great Empire".

[Rhoden Carbine]

"I am the Commander of Task Force Inferno, and that's all you need to know about what I do." Rhoden said, "As for family, my father was an Admiral in the Republic Navy, retaining the same rank into the Empire. Other members of my extended family have been involved with the military, or some form thereof." he made no mention of his father's treachery, the deaths of most of his immediate family, or the Carbine Shadowguard and associated forces scattered throughout the galaxy.

"With your skills I do believe you could be useful in operations involving smuggling, or simply the setting up of operations and all the tedious work that comes with planning and supplying them." he gave a slight smile, "Task Force Inferno undertakes these missions more frequently, of course, but I'm sure there are other parties who could make great use of your skills." he looked at the Captain, amused. Rhoden resisted the urge to tell him he appeared to be in love.